In debates about the adoption of the unified state examination, evaluations have ranged all the way from "a key direction in the modernization of education" to "a three-letter outrage," while those who are support it and those who oppose it have probably done more to accuse their opponents of all the deadly sins than to persuade them that they are right. This article discusses the effects and problems of implementing the unified state examination to all secondary school graduate students planning to pursue their education leading to a bachelor's degree in Russia. Here, the author summarizes the basic arguments put forth by those who are in favor of the unified state examination. On the opposite side, those who are against the unified state examination, or experts who take a cautious position in regard to it point out the relative character of the virtues of the new system as well as its weak aspects and new problems that it may generate. Among other things, the author discusses the new problems that are or can be generated by the adoption of a unified state examination.